by John Lowe
(Laurens SC, USA)
“Which knowest the hearts of all men”
“Which knowest the hearts of all men” is often declared to be the particular prerogative of God—“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jer 17:10; KJV). However, this attribute is also specifically ascribed to Jesus Christ—“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass… And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Rev 2:18, 23; KJV).
There are strong reasons for supposing that the apostles addressed this prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, on this occasion.
(1) The name Lord is the common title which they gave to Him—“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36; KJV). (Also see Acts 7:59, 60, 10:36; 1 Corinthians 2:8; Philippians 2:11; Revelation 11:8.)
(2) We are told that they worshipped him, or afforded him divine honors after his ascension—“And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52; KJV).
(3) The disciples were accustomed to address him after his crucifixion by the names Lord or God—“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6; KJV). (Also see John 20:28; Acts 7:59.)
This was a matter pertaining especially to the church which the Lord Jesus had redeemed, and to the instructions He had given them about how it was to be administered. He had chosen the apostles; he had given them their commission; he had fixed their number at twelve; and what is worthy of special mention here, he had been the companion of both men, and knew their qualifications for the work they must do. If the apostles ever called on the Lord Jesus after his ascension, this was the case in which they would be likely to do it. One evidence that they called on the Lord Jesus is the account of the death of Stephen—“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60; KJV).And in this important matter of ordaining a new apostle to be a witness for Jesus Christ, nothing was more natural than that they would address him, though bodily absent, as they would have done if he were present. And if on this occasion they did in fact address Christ, then two things clearly follow. First, that it is appropriate to pay him Divine homage, in accordance to the uniform declarations of the Scriptures. “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father…” (John 5:23; KJV). “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him” (Heb 1:6; KJV). (Also see Philippians 2:10, 11; Revelation 5:8-14; 1 Thessalonians 3:11, 12.). Secondly, he must be Divine. Religious homage can only be given to God, and no one or nothing else can be described as knowing the hearts of all men. The reason why they appealed to him on this occasion as the Searcher of the heart was without question the great importance of the work to which the successor of Judas was to be called. One apostle of decent external character had proved to be a traitor; and in view of this fact, they appealed to the Savior himself, to select one who would be true to Him, and not bring dishonor to His cause.
shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
They wanted to know which of these two men God had chosen, and then they will be satisfied. It is fitting for God to choose His own servants; and regardless of how He goes about showing us whom he has chosen, or what he has chosen, for us, we ought to abide by His decision.
Observe, that they do not pray, “Show us which one you will choose,” as if they must reflect upon it with the Lord before the choice is final; but,
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